Understanding how myelin wraps around nerve fibers

How Does Actin Disassembly Drive Myelin Wrapping?

['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-10907507

This study is looking at how a special type of cell in the brain helps create a protective covering for nerve fibers, which is important for people with multiple sclerosis, and it aims to find out why this process sometimes doesn't work so well, potentially leading to new treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10907507 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the process by which myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers, is formed by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system. It focuses on the role of actin filaments, specifically how their disassembly is crucial for the wrapping process of myelin around axons. By studying this mechanism, the research aims to uncover why remyelination fails in conditions like multiple sclerosis, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. The approach includes advanced microscopy techniques to observe cellular behaviors in real-time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients with non-demyelinating neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for demyelinating diseases, potentially restoring nerve function and reducing disability in affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding myelin formation, but the specific focus on actin disassembly in this context is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.